Spicy and Sweet Braised Eggplant
Eggplant Side Dish: A Delicious Alternative to Braised Tofu
We’ve made an eggplant side dish using the braised tofu recipe, and it turns out to be surprisingly addictive with rice! Here’s a simple way to add another delicious dish to your table.
Main Ingredients
- 1-2 eggplants (adjust according to size)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp minced onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp minced red or green chili pepper (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp plum extract or syrup
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp minced red or green chili pepper (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp plum extract or syrup
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. First, wash the eggplants thoroughly and remove the stems. Slice them into rounds about 1cm thick, or diagonally. It’s better to slice them slightly thick to prevent them from breaking apart. Finely mince the onion, garlic, and chili peppers to prepare the seasoning ingredients.
Step 2
2. In a small bowl, combine the minced onion, minced garlic, minced chili pepper, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, plum extract, and corn syrup. Mix well to create a delicious seasoning sauce. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more minced chili peppers.
Step 3
3. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Place the prepared eggplant slices in the pan and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. The eggplant will absorb the oil, becoming tender and richer in flavor.
Step 4
4. Once the eggplants are nicely browned, pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over them. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of water a little at a time, being careful not to burn the sauce. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to penetrate the eggplant. Finally, drizzle with sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Step 5
5. Your delicious braised eggplant is ready! Serve it over warm rice, or enjoy this wonderful side dish that’s perfect for packed lunches.
